FELDA READY TO SUPPLY 'HOME MANAGERS' TO REPLACE FOREIGN MAIDS

KUALA TERENGGANU (Malaysia), Oct 18 (Bernama) -- In efforts to overcome the over
dependency on foreign maids, the Federal land Development Authority (Felda) has
offered to supply skilled 'home managers' who can replace foreign maids.

Felda can supply skilled 'home managers' no matter what gender, male or female,
to those who seek such expertise said Felda Chairman Dr Mohd Yusof Nor.

He said Felda took the initiative to develop 'home managers' to reduce the over
dependence on foreign maids, which has become a major issue.

"The first batch of 100 'home managers' were those who could not pursue their
studies at higher learning institutions. They will undergo training starting
January.

"The courses handled by Yayasan Felda will follow syllabus based on skills and
proficiency," he told reporters after meeting 106 Haj-bound pilgrims from Felda
settlements in Terengganu here Sunday.

He said courses on personal hygiene, cooking, child care and other relevant
areas would be offered to Felda settlers for free without any age limit.

"I am confident the courses will be well received because it can provide a job
opportunity for Felda settlers," he said.

He added that their expected salary would be between RM700 (US$226.171)to
RM1,000 (US$323.102) and urged employers who wished to employ 'home managers' to
discuss with Yayasan Felda.

With local 'home managers' available, it can eliminate the difficulties faced by
employers in going through the tedious process involved in employing foreign maids
which can also be expensive, he said.